Night fell over the embassy.
Anna sat with a conflicted expression, her little head drooping dejectedly. The spread of dishes on the table, along with her favorite butter cake in the center, failed to stir the child's appetite.
"What's wrong? Still can't figure it out?"
Samael untied his apron, wiped the water from his hands, and sat before the purple-haired little girl. He served her a bowl of fruit soup and asked gently.
"Mm..."
Anna raised her little face, her eyes filled with confusion and unease.
"Though I don't know what sort of ill-fated connection you have with the Beast Goddess that makes you insist on taking responsibility for the slaughter she committed upon yourself."
"But the problem is, that's your idea—not Uruk's decision."
Samael set down the wooden spoon, placed one hand on Anna's frail shoulder, and spoke thoughtfully.
Seeing that the child still looked as if she only half understood, deep, wise light filled his ancient serpent eyes. He decided to properly guide Anna, who had stubbornly backed herself into a corner.
"When the Beast Goddess hunted humans, did you want to do it too?"
"..."
"When she created demonic beasts, did you help her?"
"..."
"Did you provide her with information about where humans were hiding?"
"..."
Those few short questions left this young goddess shaking her head in bewilderment.
"See? You had no motive, committed no crime, and had no connection as an accomplice. Why would Uruk place the responsibility on a child like you?"
"I dare say that if King Gilgamesh really did that, the people would probably curse him to death behind his back!"
"You wouldn't be helping—you'd be framing him!"
Samael spread his hands and gave his analysis with a teasing edge.
Anna bit her lower lip tightly. Her expression shifted uncertainly before